Making Binchotan
White charcoal or Binchotan is made by carbonizing oak wood at a moderately low temperature. Near the end of the process, the kiln temperature is raised to approximately 1000 °C making the wood red hot. Removing the coal from the heat source takes great skill. At their deep red stage the embers must be quickly removed and smothered in powder to cool. The powder is a mixture of sand, earth, and ash. This results in a whitish color on the surface of the charcoal, hence the name "white charcoal". The quick rise in temperature, followed by quick cooling, burns up the outer layer of the wood leaving a smooth hardened surface. It is also called a "hard charcoal".
Benefits of Binchotan
Binchotan has many benefits. Kishu Binchotan branches can be used to filter tap water -- simply place the branches in a glass or carafe. Its countless micro cavities -- one gram of charcoal has nearly the surface area of an entire tennis court -- absorb chlorine and other chemicals from tap water while releasing natural minerals. Binchotan has an alkaline effect (PH Level 8 - 8.5), softening and improving the overall taste of water. It also has the ability to warm the body and help improve blood circulation, skin, and hair when added to the bath.
Binchotan emits negative ions, purifies and balances the moisture content in the air.
Recent research shows that electromagnetic emissions from appliances like computers and mobile phones harm the human body. Charcoal burned at high temperatures has a structure with the ability to absorb electromagnetic waves. Only charcoal processed at around 1000 °C has this capability.
